'Violent Crime Spree' Indictments: Duo Accused Of 12 Armed Heists

CHICAGO — A federal grand jury indicted two Chicago men accused of conspiring to violently rob a number of pawn shops, currency exchanges, and other retail stores in Chicago and the suburbs. Falandis Russell, 25, and Terrance Williams, 24, were charged Tuesday with conspiracy to commit robbery in 12 heists that happened between July 2020 and January of this year, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court.

The two wore masks and brandished dangerous weapons. The men are accused of stealing jewelry valued at more than $305,000, as well as more than $22,000 in cash, according to court documents.

Russell is currently in law enforcement custody. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday, and he was set to appear for a detention hearing Wednesday afternoon. Williams has been ordered released on bond.

The FBI was assisted in the arrests by area police departments, including Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Chicago, Calumet City, Summit, Burbank, Round Lake Beach, Hammond (Ind.) and Streamwood.

"The charges in this significant case are the result of the strong partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement in the Chicago area," U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch said in a press release. "We will continue working together to hold violent offenders accountable."

The indictment identifies the 12 robberies carried out as part of the conspiracy:

• July 31, 2020: Russell and others robbed Cash America, located in the 1800 block of River Oaks Drive in Calumet City.
• Aug. 10, 2020: Russell and others robbed EZ Pawn, located in the 6100 block of South Archer Street in Summit.
• Aug. 10, 2020: Russell and others robbed Cash America, located in the 4500 block of South Cicero Avenue in Chicago.
• Aug. 28, 2020: Russell and Williams robbed Midwest Title & Loan, located in the 8300 block of South Cicero Avenue in Burbank.
• Aug. 28, 2020: Russell and Williams robbed Cash America, located in the 6300 block of South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago.
• Sept. 25, 2020: Russell, Williams, and others robbed Helzberg Diamonds, located in the 600 block of East Boughton Road in Bolingbrook.
• Oct. 13, 2020: Russell, Williams, and others robbed EZ Pawn, located in the 300 block of West Rollins Road in Round Lake Beach.
• Oct. 21, 2020: Russell and Williams robbed EZ Pawn, located in the 4800 block of South Ashland Avenue in Chicago.
• Nov. 6, 2020: Russell, Williams, and others robbed Cash America, located in the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue in Chicago.
• Dec. 16, 2020: Russell, Williams, and others robbed Cash America, located in the 6800 block of Indianapolis Boulevard in Hammond, Ind.
• Jan. 19, 2021: Russell and others robbed EZ Pawn, located in the 900 block of East Irving Park Road in Streamwood.
• Jan. 22, 2021: Russell and Williams robbed EZ Pawn, located in the 1700 block of West Algonquin Road in Arlington Heights.

"The defendants are accused of a multistate, violent crime spree with 12 armed robberies in almost as many communities,” said Emmerson Buie, Jr., special agent-in-charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, in the release. "The public should feel safer when doing business at local establishments, and we hope they feel secure knowing that justice is being done."

Related:
Armed Robbery Reported At Pawn Shop In Arlington Heights
Armed Robbery Crew Struck 12 Businesses In City, Suburbs: FBI